Tama County Education Center sees first grads

December 30, 2013

The Tama County Education Center is pleased to announce that five students received their High School Equivalency Diplomas after passing the series of GED tests. The students have been attending class since the opening of the center in the South Tama Schools Partnership building in Tama in September, 2013.

They were required to pass tests in the five core areas of Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics.

A graduation ceremony and reception was held at the Orpheum in Marshalltown on Tuesday, Dec. 17 for students and their families.

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Instructor Mary McCann Fuchsen said, "I am so proud of each of these students. They worked so hard and overcame several challenges to achieve their goal."

Tristan Yakel of Montour plans to attend Marshalltown Community College in January. Tristan excelled in Writing but required extra studying in Math. Tristan would like to thank her mother, best friend, Ashley Griego and boyfriend, Brent for their encouragement.

Ian Bear of Tama hopes to start off the New Year by enrolling in a trade program at Marshalltown Community College or entering the workforce. Ian had been out of school since the age of 16 and realized that he is a very focused and fast learner when he is determined. Ian cites reading as his easiest test and math as the most challenging. He would like to thank his supportive family and girlfriend, Jaycee.

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Ashley Griego of Toledo plans to continue on the path towards higher education with a degree in Nursing. Griego started GED class a few weeks before her daughter was due. After two weeks Griego returned to class, determined to finish. Ashley persevered and passed her last test at the beginning of November.

Jayde Roberts of Toledo would like to thank her instructor Mary McCann Fuchsen as well as her mother and daughter who are her biggest motivators. Jayde would like to advise other adults wanting to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma to not give up. Jayde will be attending Marshalltown Community College in January and then plans on transferring to a four-year degree program.

The Tama Education Center offers English as a Second Language (ESL) class in the mornings from 9 am to 12 pm and High School Equivalency Classes in the afternoon from 1 to 4 pm. Students wishing to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma are encouraged to register and attend class on Monday, January 6, 2014. For more information contact Mary McCann Fuchsen 641-484-8002.